Generation Wild Puppeteer - Washington

About The Role

At WWT, we are aiming to inspire the next generation of nature-lovers. We believe the best way of doing this is to foster emotional connections to nature at our sites and where people live. One of the ways we do this is through our learning programme and in particular Generation Wild, our flagship nature connection project for children and families from disadvantaged communities. In this role, you will be engaging our younger visitors by bringing the life-sized puppet 'Ava' to life, as part of this project. As a puppeteer, you are key to making the experience a truly magical one for the children. We are currently looking for volunteers who are available to help out on weekdays. Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email [email protected] or leave a message at 01453 891 231 with your name and number. 

About You

This role will suit you if:

• You are passionate about inspiring children to develop an emotional connection with nature.
• You enjoy performing and being in-character in front of visitors and enjoy working with a range of ages.
• You are reasonably extrovert and have good stamina! The puppet is quite heavy to operate. Previous puppetry / theatre experience would be beneficial but is in no way essential.
• You have experience either in an educational setting or in an environment involving children. This would be useful, but not essential.

Please note that this role is only suitable for over 18's.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

Practicalities

Where will you be based? WWT Washington Wetlands Centre

Who will you volunteer with? You will volunteer within the Learning team and the Learning Manager will be your line manager.

Time commitment? One or two days a week. We will mutually agree the hours that you can contribute

We want your volunteering to be a positive and fun experience. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and other information you need. This will include risk assessments based on your role and any particular support you need.

Volunteers receive access to our sites, and discounts in our shops and cafes. Some roles include a uniform or require the use of equipment or protective clothing.

If you are based at a particular site or office location, you’ll need to be able to get yourself there and back. Information on locations can be found on our website.

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email [email protected] or leave a message at 01453 891 231 with your name and number.

You will need to be able to get yourself to and from the centre. We regret that we are not in a position to reimburse expenses incurred for travel to the site.

We will keep you up to date with what’s happening across WWT and the difference you will be helping to make happen.

Interested?

If you are interested in this role, please complete an application form so that we can talk it through further with you.

We look forward to hearing from you!